Do you also feel lonely and sad after campus? (Post-College Depression) Let's talk about this

Moving out of campus is a very exciting and also a bit scary experience. Years of hard work, studying, having fun with friends, and suddenly that life is over and you have to step into a new world. Some people get a good job right away. But some don't. However, when starting this new life, many people can feel a lot of loneliness, sadness, and inexplicable pressure. If you feel the same way, this article is for you.

This is not just a problem for you!

The first thing you need to understand is that you're not alone in feeling these feelings. Feelings of sadness, loneliness, and anxiety when you're starting life after campus are very normal. Even psychologists say that this is a natural response to a big life change.

That said, there's nothing wrong with feeling this way. However, if these feelings persist, they could potentially develop into a major depressive disorder or anxiety disorder . So it's important to be aware of this.

Why do we feel this way?

There could be several reasons for this. Let's look at the main ones.

• The gap between imagined life and real life: When we are on campus, we have high hopes for the future. We think, "My life is about to begin now." But the reality we face after graduation can be very different from what we imagined. This can lead to great disappointment.

• Pressure from yourself and others: We often hear questions from family, relatives, and friends like, "So, what are you doing now?" "Did you get a job?" Even though these are just random questions, they can feel like a lot of pressure. We can also put pressure on ourselves, thinking, "I worked so hard to get a degree, I should be more successful."

• Suddenly falling into the 'adult world': Campus life is like a safe zone between adolescence and full-fledged adulthood. But suddenly you have to find a job, possibly pay off loans, and take on all sorts of other responsibilities. It's normal to feel a lot of pressure and fear with this sudden change.

• Friends and social life change: On campus, we always have a group of friends around us. But after graduation, everyone moves to different parts of the country to find jobs or pursue different fields. When those familiar friends and that busy social life are gone, we start to feel very lonely and isolated.

• Impact of the pandemic: This situation has been particularly hard on those who graduated with the (COVID-19) pandemic. They have had to distance themselves from friends and professors. Many have lost job opportunities and internships. With this uncertainty, loneliness and anxiety have increased.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

This post-campus depression and anxiety can cause a variety of uncomfortable feelings. These symptoms can be seen as mental, physical, and behavioral changes.

How do you deal with these feelings?

To overcome these sad, oppressive feelings, you first need to admit that you are feeling them. Trying to show that you are okay on the outside only makes the problem worse. So, take a moment and figure out for yourself what you are really feeling.

Here are some tips to help you cope with this:

• Develop healthy habits: Eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, and exercise in a way that suits your body. When your overall well-being is good, it's easier to deal with these types of stressors.

• Stay connected with friends and family: Seek emotional support from those who love and trust you. Even if you can't meet in person, talk regularly through text, phone call, or video call.

• Make new friends: Old friendships can change over time. So, try to make new friends through your hobbies and interests.

• Engage in things that make you feel valuable: When you feel like you have a purpose in life, it's easier to fight these negative feelings. If you don't have a job yet, or aren't happy with your current job, do something that brings you joy and fulfillment, like volunteering.

• Practice Mindfulness: Meditation is a great way to relax your mind. But you don't have to meditate. Mindfulness is simply bringing your attention to the present moment. Paying attention to what you are feeling in that moment and making a choice about how you respond to it.

• Set small, achievable goals: Set small goals like "I'll spend half an hour writing my CV today" or "I'll look for a job." If we try to do big things all at once, we can quickly become discouraged.

Limiting the use of social media and stopping comparing yourself to others is also a big help on this journey.

When should you seek medical advice?

Most people can recover from this situation with time and the help of family and friends, but some people need more support.

If these feelings are interfering with your daily life (work, education) , or if you feel like you are a completely different person than you were a few months ago, it's a sign that it's time to seek professional help. In such a case, don't hesitate to talk to your family doctor or a physician .

Remember, no matter how severe the stress, anxiety, or depression you're feeling, you can get help for it all.

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